D.A.R.E. / Community Works Summer Program

During the Summer months, classroom instruction and community action projects are conducted each day from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday thru Thursday. Fourteen (14) youths from the City between the ages of 13 to 16 are selected to participate in the program. Breakfast and lunch is provided each day (provided by Parks and Recreation) and all instruction materials and action project equipment are included.

The D.A.R.E. officers conduct approximately 22 separate classroom taught over 6 weeks. Officers teach the youths in areas which they are not normally exposed to, giving them a broader view of the police, crime and the community which is affected. Topics include "Creating a Community Vision", "What is Crime", "Victims of Crime" and "Safe and Secure Communities" along with other topics such as: "Where are we Safe and Unsafe", "Our Communities Resources", "Your Conflict Choices", "Conflict, Communicating and Working together." "Bullying and Teens: How to protect yourself", "Gangs", "Robbery and Assault", "Drug Abuse", "Vandalism" and shopliftin

The program also consists of a "Community Action Project" portion. The "Community action project" is conducted at various sites throughout the City and transportation to and from the sites is provided by the City of Pawtucket school buses.

Some of the sites where Community Action projects have taking place include Slater Park from Newport Avenue to the dog pound including all of the baseball fields, along the bike path, pond, tennis courts, carousel, Marconi Gardens, Veteran's Park, John Street playground and Payne Park. At each of these sites the youths clean up the area by picking up trash, debris and recyclables.

Youth also conduct a Community Action Project at the Leon Mathieu Senior Center located on Main Street. Participating youths assist the city's elderly residents by reading to them, playing games and conversing with them. This project not only comforst the elderly but also teaches the youths the need for community involvement in elderly affairs.

Officers find that the participants are dedicated, attentive in class and willing to work hard and make a difference in the community. They come from many different areas and cultural backgrounds of the City. This makes the Community Works a diverse program that has helped to break down cultural barriers. The summer program has changed the participant's vision and outlook towards each other and the City.